Buying

Purchasing a home is the most important and expensive transaction that any of us are likely to make so it’s imperative to get it right. Maybe you’re a first time buyer, a couple wanting so start a family, friends looking for an investment, a retired couple needing to down-size. There’s all manner of reasons for a move or deciding to invest in a property. We will ask you all the right questions and ensure we have a clear picture of what your needs are, in the now and for the future.

Our extensive property database is updated regularly and, combined with our local knowledge and experience in the industry, we’re confident we’ll find the right home or property to suit your needs.

Registration

The first requirement is for you to register your details and property specifications and this can be done in a number of ways; by email, phone, in person or by completing our online registration form. This will give us an insight into your personal requirements, thereby enabling us to modify the details sent to you.

Once registered, you are then in a position to receive details from us either directly in person, via mail, email or by downloading the particulars directly from our website. We also offer an SMS text service direct to your mobile phone.

Mortgage

We have an Independent Mortgage Broker who can provide help and advise with your mortgage. After discussing your needs and preferences, the whole market will be searched on your behalf to find the best mortgage deal available.

You will receive personal assistance and guidance from the first meeting, right through to the completion of your mortgage. One of the first steps is to establish your budget. This will then allow you to draw up a list of properties in your price range.

Viewing

Our friendly team are available to arrange any viewings you may require. Please contact us to arrange a mutually convenient time to view on 020 8551 4133. Our office is open 6 days a week from 9.00am to 6.00pm Monday to Friday and from 9.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m. on Saturday.

Making Your Offer

Once you locate your ideal property, you can make an offer which will be submitted by us to the vendor for their consideration. This is done both verbally and in writing. If you have not already done so you may request to view a copy of the Home Information Pack(HIP).

NB: Please note that all offers are “subject to contract” and therefore neither party is legally bound until the contract is actually signed.

Accepted Offer / Instructing Solicitors

As soon as your offer has been accepted by the vendor, you should instruct a solicitor to act on your behalf. Your solicitor will handle all legal requirements of your purchase and if applicable your sale. If you do not already have a solicitor in mind then Arbon & Miller can recommend solicitors that we have been working with for many years and who we know will provide an excellent service at a reasonable price.

At this point, you also need to formally proceed with your mortgage application and instruct your mortgage consultant/broker accordingly.

Survey

There are three types of survey available:

Mortgage Valuation – This is normally required by the mortgage lender if you are obtaining a mortgage to purchase a property and will form part of the decision to provide a formal mortgage offer. The valuation often belongs to the bank/building society and your conveyancer may advise you to carry out a further survey (details listed below).

Homebuyers Survey

Full Structural/Building Survey

NB. Your mortgage broker will be able to recommend which survey would be most suitable for you.

If you are considering having a private Homebuyers Report or building survey carried out, Arbon & Miller can recommend local surveyors that we have been working with for many years.

Draft Contract

The draft contract is drawn up by the seller’s solicitor and is forwarded to the buyer’s solicitor for approval. Any additional queries or questions will be raised and attended to and the contract amended accordingly, subject to final approval. For further information on this process (and any other conveyancing queries you may have) we would advise that you with speak with your solicitor.

Mortgage Offer (if applicable)

Once a survey has been carried out on behalf of the mortgage lender, your mortgage broker will liaise closely with the lender and subject to approval, a formal offer of mortgage should follow. You would be advised to speak with your mortgage broker for further information on this process.

Exchange of Contracts

Once the contract has been signed by both parties, your solicitor will request your deposit (normally minimum 10% of purchase price) to be paid by either bank transfer or banker’s draft. At this stage, all parties within the chain agree on a date for completion in preparation for exchange of contracts (at this point of exchange, contracts become binding).

Completion

Completion will be mutually agreed by all parties involved in the chain and which will normally follow exchange one to two weeks thereafter.